Gaga

Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.

 

5 Bond-Building Shampoos for Stronger Hair

Constant coloring and heat styling can break the bonds that make your hair strong and shiny, leaving your strands weakened and prone to breakage. When traditional damage-repair products don’t work to improve the look and feel of your hair, bond-reinforcing hair care products can be of tremendous help.

In recent years, the market is flooded with products infused with bond-building technology that works on a molecular level to restore and strengthen both disulfide and hydrogen bonds in the hair. These bonds are vital for the strength, elasticity, and appearance of your hair. At-home bond-repairing products commonly come in the form of shampoos, conditioners, masks, and styling products.

Beautiful young woman washing hair

Bond-building shampoos are usually a part of home treatment kits formulated to repair and maintain hair bonds after a salon bond-repairing service or to revitalize hair after chemical services, like bleaching and coloring. A bond-building shampoo can strengthen your chemically processed hair from the inside out, leaving your locks healthier with every wash.

With continued use, bond repair shampoos increase the hair’s resilience to environmental stressors and provide lasting protection against future damage. To enhance the results, you can follow up with a bonding conditioner made with the same bond-building technology.

Beautiful young woman wiping her hair after washing

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

1. Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Shampoo

Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Shampoo is powered by Honey Bond-Building Complex to build new bonds and repair hair from the cortex to the cuticle. maintain hair bonds after coloring or other chemical services. In combination with the accompanying conditioner, this shampoo keeps hair healthy and prepares your locks for the next color/chemical service.

Formulated for:

  • Colored/highlighted hair
  • Heat-damaged hair

Ingredients:

Honey Bond-Building Complex rebuilds and strengthens damaged areas in the hair shaft, boosts elasticity, and prevents breakage.

Benefits:

  • Rebuilds hair bonds and strengthens damaged hair
  • Improves elasticity
  • Smoothes the hair cuticle and adds shine
  • Leaves hair soft, smooth, and manageable

Downsides:

  • This shampoo contains sodium chloride which makes it unsuitable for keratin-treated hair.
Beautiful young woman wiping hair after washing

2. OGX Restoring Bonding Plex Shampoo

This shampoo is a part of an innovative bond-boosting haircare system that includes the restoring-bonding-plex-shampoo, conditioner, and bonding cream. Using shampoo is the first step in the process of recovering hair that has been compromised by frequent coloring and overuse of heat-styling tools.

Formulated for:

  • Color-treated hair
  • Heat-damaged and dry hair
  • Course and frizzy hair

Ingredients: This innovative formula uses cystine, a cross-linked polymer, and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins to significantly strengthen hair bonds, revitalize your hair, and prevent future damage.

Benefits:

  • Reduces the appearance of damage and repairs overly processed hair
  • Increases moisture retention, improving hair texture and shine
  • Makes the hair feel softer, healthier, and easier to style
  • Leaves hair smooth and flowing
  • Helps control frizz
  • Reduces the appearance of split ends
Beautiful young woman after washing hair with bond-building shampoo

3. B3 Brazilian Bond Builder Color Care Shampoo

This shampoo uses the same bond-building technology as the B3 Brazilian Bond Builder to repair the bonds responsible for hair strength and elasticity. This shampoo is recommended to strengthen and maintain hair bonds after color services. B3 Brazilian Bond Builder Color Care Shampoo gently cleanses your hair while continuing to reinforce the bonds in hair fibers. The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride, and gluten.

Formulated for:

  • Color-treated hair
  • Heat damaged hair
  • Hair prone to breakage

Benefits:

  • Repairs color-damaged hair
  • Helps maintain color tone and vibrancy
  • Extends the life of your color between salon appointments
  • Helps reduce breakage
  • Returns dry, chemically damaged hair to soft, shiny, and healthy hair
  • Leaves hair feeling strong and smooth
Beautiful woman after washing hair with bond-reinforcing shampoo

4. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

This luxurious, ultra-reparative shampoo is formulated using OLAPLEX Bond-Building technology. It repairs hair by re-linking broken bonds and leaving your locks healthier, shinier, and more supple with each use. It is formulated without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

Formulated for:

  • Color-treated hair
  • Heat damaged hair
  • Over-processed hair
  • Dry, brittle hair
  • Frizzy hair

Benefits:

  • Repairs and maintains broken hair bonds
  • Tames frizz and flyaway hair
  • Reduces breakage
  • Leaves hair smooth, shiny, and manageable
  • Restores moisture and boosts elasticity
beautiful young woman near window

5. CAVIAR Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo

This bond-building shampoo is a part of Alterna’s line of anti-aging hair care products. The formula uses caviar bond-enforcing technology to restore vitality, strength, and luster, giving the hair a more youthful look. The product has a creamy, silky texture and pleasant fragrance.

Formulated for:

  • Over-processed and damaged hair
  • Dry, dull, and lifeless hair
  • Hair that tends to get frizzy
  • Hair that breaks and falls out
  • Thinning hair due to natural aging

Key Ingredients:

Age-Control Complex includes real caviar extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and a silicone blend to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to your hair. This complex also restores the hair’s cuticle layer, making your locks look much younger and healthier. The shampoo is formulated without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

Benefits:

  • Restores damaged cuticle layer to lock in nutrition and boost shine
  • Rebuilds and strengthens damaged hair
  • Increases resistance to breakage by up to 99% vs. untreated hair
  • Helps repair damage from chemical processing and flat ironing
  • Leaves hair softer, silkier, and shinier
  • Makes the brush glide smoothly through the hair
  • Calms down frizz and restores softness
  • Keeps blonde hair bright

Downsides:

  • It can be hard to get the product out of the bottle.

More related products: amika the kure bond repair shampoo and Luseta Perfect Bonding Restoring Shampoo.

A beautiful young bride wearing earrings

5 Keratin Leave-In Conditioners That Will Make Your Hair Strong and Smooth

Keratin is a major component of human hair and protecting it is crucial to have strong and flexible strands. Keratin content decreases with age, resulting in weak, lifeless, and brittle hair. Other factors that may cause keratin damage are frequent heat styling, regular coloring, and harsh chemical treatments. When the keratin in your hair gets depleted, your hair becomes dry, frizzy, and prone to tangles.

If you want to strengthen, straighten, and revive your dry, lackluster hair, you should consider using hair products infused with keratin. Keratin-enriched hair products will improve the structure of hair fibers, keeping your locks in top condition.

Keratin particles in the form of hydrolyzed proteins and amino acids fill the gaps in the hair shaft, making your hair stronger, shinier, and easier to style.

What Keratin Leave-in Sprays Can Do for Your Hair?

a woman applying a leave-in conditioner to her damp hair

A Leave-in conditioner enriched with keratin is a hair product that you leave in the hair between shampoos to restore depleted keratin levels and lock in moisture. It offers multiple benefits to weak, porous, and frizzy hair:

Shields from damage: A keratin leave-in conditioner can greatly reduce the risk of hair damage when you use it before blow-drying and straightening. It also rebuilds hair’s cuticle and makes your locks stronger, thicker, and less prone to breakage.

Tames frizz: Curly/coarse hair types are naturally prone to frizz which can be a nightmare to deal with. Keratin leave-in products make dry curly hair smooth, frizz-free, and manageable. They make your curls beautifully smooth and shiny.

Prevents tangles: To keep your hair tangle-free and easy to comb, apply a fine mist of leave-in keratin spray over your damp hair. This will also help reduce porosity and split ends.

Keratin Leave-In Treatments Worth Your Attention

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

1. Worth the Price: VIRTUE Smooth Conditioner

This conditioner is formulated with Alpha Keratin 60ku(R) – a protein that is almost identical to the hair’s natural keratin.

Keratin particles bind to areas of damage and fill the gaps in the hair shaft, leaving your hair stronger, shinier, and dramatically smoother.

VIRTUE Smooth Conditioner works as a daily smoothing treatment. It repairs and smoothes the cuticle to lock in moisture and reduce friction between hair strands. This results in tangle-free and frizz-free hair.

The company claim that its Smooth Conditioner reduces frizz by up to 95% after four applications. It takes five applications to repair the split ends up to 95%. A single strand becomes 22% thicker after just one application, creating added volume. Finally, color vibrance increases by up to 138% after five applications.

According to these claims, frizz-prone, dry, or curly hair will get the most benefits. It also may be worth considering if you frequently color and bleach your hair.

2. Nano Dryfix Micro Therapy Leave-In Conditioning Treatment by Research in Beauty

This innovative treatment uses patented keratin microcapsule technology that has been scientifically proven to replenish hair with vital moisture and repair damaged hair fibers. Using this product means delivering deep, continuous nourishment to your hair.

Hair types: Research In Beauty conditioner is formulated to provide the most benefits to dry, brittle, and frizz-prone hair.

Key ingredients: The micro therapy emulsion contains nano-sized keratin microcapsules, natural oils, and essential fatty acids that work to replenish hair with vital moisture and keratin. Keratin microcapsules help strengthen hair fibers and form a protective layer around the hair shaft that prevents future damage and dramatically improves the overall appearance of your hair.

Benefits: In addition to smoothing benefits, this conditioner also repairs damage and keeps your hair soft, frizz-free, and beautiful.

3. CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner

This reconstructing leave-in treatment is designed to infuse dry and damaged strands with keratin proteins and nourishing oils to seal the cuticle and create silky soft and shiny hair.

Hair types: CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner is made for dry, damaged, chemically treated, and frizz-prone hair.

Key ingredients: The formula uses keratin amino acids, hydrolyzed silk, argan oil, and jojoba oil to infuse hair with moisture and restore hair elasticity, softness, and shine.

Benefits: CHI Keratin Leave-In Conditioner claims to repair damaged cuticles, improve elasticity, and reduce breakage. This results in healthier, smoother, and frizz-free hair.

Suggested use: After shampooing, spray an even mist throughout the hair and leave it in. Don’t use too much product as it may leave residue in your hair. Avoid the scalp and root area to prevent your hair from looking greasy.

Woman's hair nourished with a keratin leave-in conditioner

4. Amika Vault Color-Lock Leave-in Conditioner

This lightweight leave-in spray is formulated with a blend of amino acids and enriched with UV filters to protect your hair color. It is ideal for color-treated hair and hair that is prone to tangling.

Key ingredients: This product uses an amino acid complex to improve strength and sea buckthorn oil to promote collagen production. UV absorbers also add additional protection against the sun. The formula is free of paraben, sulfate, gluten, sodium chloride, artificial color, mineral oil, and phthalates. The product is cruelty-free.

Benefits: Amika Vault Color-Lock Leave-in Conditioner works to smooth the cuticle and restore shine and softness. It protects hair from UV damage and enhances color vibrancy.

Suggested use: Spray throughout clean, towel-dried hair. Use a comb to distribute the product throughout your hair. This leave-in spray can also be used on dry hair.

5. Keratin Leave-In Conditioner by Damila

This liquid leave-in spray uses keratin proteins to fix the damage and strengthen hair that has been damaged by harsh chemical treatments and hot styling tools.

Hair types: Damila’s leave-in conditioner works best on damaged or chemically-treated hair.

Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, wheat amino acids, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and a blend of amino acids fill in damaged areas in the hair shaft, strengthen hair fibers, and restore elasticity and shine. 

Benefits: This leave-in conditioner protects the hair from styling damage, reduces breakage, and keeps hair smooth, silky, and shiny.

Suggested use: After shampooing, spray on your damp hair. Comb through to spread it throughout your hair. Use a blow dryer or let your hair air dry.

Hydrolyzed Keratin vs. Keratin

Keratin molecules have a high molecular weight and can’t penetrate the hair shaft. These keratin molecules just attach to the hair surface, and despite the benefits they provide, they can make your hair look heavy and greasy. Hydrolyzed keratin, however, has a very low molecular weight, which allows the protein particles to penetrate the hair shaft and rebuild the hair from the inside instead of just coating hair strands.

A beautiful woman with wavy blonde hair

The Importance of Using pH-Balanced Hair Shampoos

What Is the Meaning of pH?

pH is an acronym that means the Power of Hydrogen. It is a parameter that describes the concentration of hydrogen ions in water-based solutions. The numbers on the pH scale indicate the level of acidity or alkalinity. The PH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Acidic solutions fall in the range between 0 and 6.9, while alkaline solutions measure above 7. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral.

What is the pH of the Scalp and Hair?

The pH of the scalp is about 5.5 just like other parts of your skin, while the pH of the hair falls into the range of 4.5 to 5.0. The slightly acidic nature of sebum helps to keep the cuticle sealed and healthy while fighting bacteria and fungi.

ph scale

The Effects of Acidic and Alkaline Products on the Hair

The hair care products you use tend to affect the pH level of your scalp and hair. To keep your tresses healthy and beautiful, it is important to use hair products that have the same or similar pH levels as your scalp and hair.

Some hair products can disrupt the natural pH balance of your hair. Products that are too alkaline will raise the hair cuticle, causing the hair to become dry and brittle.

More acidic hair products will cause the cuticle to contract, making the hair look smoother and shinier. However, too acidic hair products can make hair resistant to hair treatments.

The rule is that your hair care products should have a pH level close to human hair.

How to Check the pH of Hair Care Products?

Manufacturers often fail to state the pH level of their hair products on the label. However, you can determine the pH level of your hair care product with pH-level test strips. You can purchase them in most beauty supply stores. To measure the pH level, pour the product into a glass and dip the test strip into the liquid. Allow it to stay for the recommended time, then remove it and compare the result with the chart that was provided with the test kit.

a beautiful young woman washing her hair with ph balanced shampoo

The pH Value of Hair Shampoos

It is important to note that the pH value of a hair shampoo can have positive or negative effects on the health and appearance of your hair. The rule of thumb is to use shampoos that have a pH level close to your hair.

When you use a sulfate-based shampoo, chances are that the natural pH levels of the hair would be disrupted. On the contrary, your hair and scalp will benefit from using sulfate-free and pH-balanced shampoo.

The best pH level for hair shampoo is between 5 and 7. Anything above tends to disturb the cuticles and can cause irritation to the scalp. Roughed cuticles increase friction between the fibers, making hair prone to tangling and breakage.

If your hair is dry and frizzy, you may want to use slightly acidic hair shampoo. This ensures that hair cuticles will remain closed, preventing moisture loss from your hair. Shampoos with lower pH also help tame frizz and reduce static on the surface of the hair.

If your hair is color-treated, keep in mind that shampoos with a pH value above 5.5 may open the hair cuticle, resulting in color fading. PH-balanced, or slightly acidic shampoos (lower than 5.5) help to seal the cuticle, keeping the color vibrant for longer.

If you have curly hair, it could be beneficial to use a shampoo that has a slightly acidic pH value. Using acidic shampoos helps smooth the cuticles to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.

Beautiful young woman wiping hair after washing it with ph-balanced shampoo

It is advisable to use pH-balanced hair shampoos on straight hair. It is easier to restore and maintain an ideal pH balance for straight hair than for other types of hair texture.

Clarifying and Chelating Shampoos have a higher pH level (around 8) than ordinary hair shampoos. A high pH level is needed to lift the cuticles and remove buildup and mineral deposits from the hair. Make sure to follow with a good conditioner. The lower pH value of the hair conditioner helps flatten the cuticle, reducing frizz and making combing easier.

The pH of Children’s Shampoos is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is within the physiological pH range. The no-tear concept requires this higher pH range. However, if you have curly, frizzy, or colored hair you might want to stay away from children’s shampoos.

Alkaline shampoos (pH above 7) should be avoided because they tend to strip your hair of naturally acidic sebum, which can fight bacteria. Using a balanced pH shampoo helps eliminate problems with fungi and bacteria and improves the overall condition of your scalp and hair. 

PH Balancing Conditioners have a pH level within the range of 3.9 – 4.6. Such a slightly acidic nature of the hair conditioner helps to close the cuticles, leaving the hair smooth and shiny.

Beautiful woman brushing her healthy hair in morning

Spiral Curling Irons – The Best Tool for Creating Spiral Curls

Using a spiral curling iron is the quickest and easiest way to add beautiful spiral curls to your hair. A spiral curling iron is similar to your regular curling iron, but there are some important differences.

A conventional curling iron comes with one uniform barrel or several interchangeable barrels that have a plain surface. A spiral curling iron, however, has either a curved barrel or a barrel with a spiral pattern along the barrel. Your hair should lie between the ridges around the barrel. This way each section is heated evenly to ensure you will get perfect, long-lasting spiral curls.

Spiral curling wands come in various designs and shapes. Newer models have a protective shield that covers the barrel to protect your fingers and forehead from heat.

Spiral curling irons work best for naturally wavy hair and hair of medium length. Long, thick hair can take a very long time to curl, but if you have enough time, you can get great results by working with small sections of hair. A spiral iron is hard to manage if your hair is very short since it could be a challenge to wrap the hair around the barrel. For best results, your hair should be at least chin-length to define curls.

spiral curling iron

How curly your hair will end up depends on the amount of hair in each section and how long you hold the iron in your hair. By taking smaller pieces of hair and using higher heat, you will get tighter curls. By doing larger sections of hair and applying less heat, you will get more relaxed, natural-looking curls.

How to Use a Spiral Curling Wand

It takes some time and practice to learn how to use a spiral curling iron. However, with patience and practice, a good curler will give you beautiful spiral curls that last. The curling process is time-consuming because you can’t put much hair in the curler at once.

The following are basic instructions on how to get spiral curls using a spiral curling iron. Keep in mind that different models should be used in different ways, so it is important to read individual product directions. Also, make sure to watch some tutorial videos to make the learning process easier.

hairdresser uses spiral curling wand to style client's hair

Preparing the Hair: Wash, condition, and towel dry your hair. Use a comb to remove tangles. Apply a heat protectant, coating your strands evenly. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a hair dryer to dry it completely.

Sectioning: Section your hair to make it easier to work with.  Create tiny sections of hair if you want tighter curls. Use bigger sections to get softer curls and to speed the curling up. Keep in mind that spiral irons with a heat insulation shield around the barrel can’t handle larger portions of hair. Large sections also run the risk of additional tangling. 

Curling: Set your iron at the proper temperature for your hair type. Insert the end of your hair in the clamp of the spiral iron, and then twist the barrel towards the roots until it’s close to your head (Conair Spiral Styler). With some spiral irons, you need to start curling from the roots and then wrap the section of hair around the barrel between the grooves holding the ends of your locks (Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling Wand). For both methods, hold the tool in your hair for a duration based on how tight you want the curls to be. The longer you leave the iron in each section, the tighter the curls will be. Repeat working with small sections until you finish the curling process.

Styling: Once you have your whole head curled, run your fingers through it, and set it with hair spray to give your curls hold.

It might take about 30 minutes to do the whole head if you have shoulder-length hair of medium thickness and density.

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

Spiral Curling Irons that may Be Worth Buying

1. Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling Wand

This curling wand features a two-inch spiral barrel designed to guide your hair around the barrel to create stunning, bouncy curls. The barrel is made of tourmaline and ceramic materials that are considered healthy for hair. Tourmaline technology helps to eliminate static and frizz and adds a beautiful shine to hair.

This curling wand can be used to give you either tight curls or loose, beachy waves depending on how you use it. The tool heats up to 400° F and doesn’t have an adjustable heat setting.

The positives

  • Allows you to create tight, relaxed, or asymmetrical curls
  • Creates curls that can hold even when you sleep on them
  • Makes fine and flat hair look much more voluminous
  • Helps to reduce frizz and static and leaves your hair shiny
  • Creates a nice texture for a curly updo
  • Doesn’t leave any creases
  • Has an attractive and eye-catching design
  • Gets hot quickly
  • Comes with a high-quality protective glove to protect your fingers when touching the barrel
  • Has dual voltage and can be used worldwide with the appropriate adaptor
  • The on/off switch is placed so that it is not easy to turn off the curler accidentally while in use

The negatives

  • Lacks a heat setting feature, so you cannot control the temperature
  • Requires some practice to figure out how to use it
  • Doesn’t have a long enough barrel for use with very long hair

Suggested Use

Take a one- to two-inch section of hair and wrap it around the barrel, starting from the roots and holding the appliance with the tip pointing down. Hold the end of your hair with your fingers for the recommended time, then release the curl. You should use a glove and be careful when holding the tool close to your head.

A woman with long healthy after using a spiral iron

2. Conair Instant Heat Spiral Curling Iron

This spiral styler has an extra-long spiral barrel that allows you to create bouncy spiral curls in long hair. It has a small clamp at the bottom to hold the end of your hair, making curling easier and reducing the chances of getting burned. The uniform heat recovery system keeps the barrel temperature at a constant level, enabling you to create well-shaped, long-lasting spiral curls. A wide range of temperature settings makes this styling tool suitable for many different types of hair.

The positives

  • Gives you cute spiral curls
  • Creates long-lasting curls even if your hair is curl resistant
  • Lightweight and easy to hold
  • Heats up very quickly
  • Multiple heat settings ranging from 1–25
  • Dual voltage for worldwide use with an adaptor plug
  • Auto-off functionality

The negatives

  • Takes some time and practice to figure out how to use it.
  • Due to the barrel’s design, the curls could only go in one direction. If you like multidirectional curls, this curler is not for you.
  • The hair can get caught in the clamp. 

Suggested Use

Take a section of hair and affix the end of your hair to the clamp. Then twist the styler from tip to root. Your hair will slip between the ridges. Hold the iron in the hair for an amount of time, based on the desired results and the heat setting that you have selected. After releasing the curl, use your fingers to loosen it.

Sensual woman with beautiful spiral curls

3. Spiral Curl Ceramic Curling Iron by SexyBeauty

This spiral iron has a ¾-inch ceramic barrel encased with a protective shield that keeps fingers from getting burned. Ceramic heating elements help to evenly distribute heat and prevent damage while creating beautiful and long-lasting spiral curls. There is a small clip for securing the end of your hair, so you don’t have to hold it.

The positives

  • Fast heating in 15 seconds
  • Anti-scald design
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly
  • Long, anti-swivel cord
  • Dual voltage for worldwide use
  • Produces long-lasting spiral curls

The negatives

  • Your hair may get tangled if you use a larger section.
  • No adjustable heat setting
  • Doesn’t have an auto shut off

Suggested Use

Divide hair into workable sections. Take a small section of hair and insert it into the curl chamber. Secure it with the clip. Twist the iron towards your head while wrapping the hair around the barrel. Hold it in place for about 5–10 seconds for looser curls or 20 seconds for tighter curls. Repeat this action to curl the remaining section of your hair. Allow your hair to cool, then gently run your fingers through it for a more natural finish. Use hairspray to give your curls a nice hold.

a gorgeous woman with spiral curls posing

Top Quality Shampoos for Synthetic Wigs

Regular washing is vital to ensure that your synthetic wig looks fabulous and keeps its bounce and sheen. Synthetic hair differs in important ways from natural hair and therefore requires a different care regimen.

Unlike human scalps, a wig does not produce natural oils, so there is no need to wash it as much as natural hair. Wigs need to be shampooed to remove styling products, odors, and environmental pollution but note that over-washing can shorten the lifespan of your wig.

How Often Should You Wash Your Wig?

How frequently you should wash your wig depends on how often you wear it. If you wear your wig daily, you might need to wash it every two weeks. However, more frequent washing may be necessary due to factors like sweating, hot weather, exposure to smoke, and the use of styling products. Wigs tend to absorb smoke and other pollutants that can them a bad smell if not washed frequently enough. If the wig becomes dull, has an unpleasant odor, or is hard to manage, it is time to wash your synthetic hair.

fashion Asian girl with synthetic hair

Wig Shampoos and Conditioners

Synthetic hair can easily get damaged if washed with the wrong shampoo. Most ordinary hair shampoos contain parabens and sulfates, which are too harsh for synthetic hair and can degrade a wig quickly. Regular shampoos can also leave synthetic wigs dry and tangled.

Only use shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for synthetic wig care. Using products designed for synthetic wigs will ensure that your wig stays in great shape. Since wigs lack the moisture of natural human hair, the shampoo you use to wash your synthetic hair should be rich in moisturizing ingredients to keep it hydrated, soft, and silky. A high-quality shampoo for synthetic wigs should be gentle enough to prevent over-drying and damaging your wig, but it should also be effective enough to clean and deodorize it.

Suggested Shampoos for Synthetic Wigs

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

1. Awesome Synthetic Wig Shampoo ir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0120BOING

This mild, sulfate-free shampoo is designed for washing synthetic and human hair wigs and has a light and refreshing citrus scent. To use it, thoroughly cleanse your wig by soaking it in a mixture of water and this shampoo for about 15 minutes. Follow the measurements printed on the bottle. The company recommends using this shampoo in combination with their leave-in conditioner spray, which helps to keep the wig tangle-free.

Benefits

  • Moisturizes and gives wigs a silky feel
  • Prevents wigs from turning dull
  • Provides a feeling of freshness
  • Eliminates static

Drawbacks

2. Jon Renau Shampoo for Synthetic Fiber Wigs

This paraben-free and sulfate-free formula efficiently cleans, restores the body, and slows the degradation of synthetic wigs and hair extensions. It mixes well with cool water and rinses out easily.

Benefits

  • Keeps wigs looking new
  • Leaves synthetic hair smooth and shiny
  • Makes wigs smell clean and fresh

Drawback

asian woman creative cosplay

3. RemySoft Moisturelab Hydrating Cleanser Shampoo

This cleanser shampoo is the first step of the Moisturelab System, an innovative product line designed to maintain natural hair, wigs, weaves, and hairpieces. This system is formulated to help with the three persistent problems faced by hair wearers: dryness, tangling, and environmental damage.

The Moisturelab System includes;

  1. Moisturelab Hydrating Cleanser Shampoo
  2. Moisturelab Recovery Cream Conditioner
  3. BlueMax Protective Hair Serum

Moisturelab Hydrating Cleanser Shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse natural and synthetic hair while combating dryness and frizz. The formula includes exotic fruit extracts, conditioning agents, and silicones to preserve proper moisture levels, soften synthetic hair fibers, and prevent tangles.

Despite their high price tag, the RemySoft MoistureLab System products are worth considering.

Asian woman with synthetic hair creative cosplay

How to Wash a Synthetic Wig?

Steps:

1. Detangling

Before washing your wig, gently comb it to remove any tangles. Make sure to use a comb or a brush that is meant for use on synthetic hair. Place your wig on a styrofoam head or lay it on a table to carefully work out any knots. If necessary, apply a detangling spray to make combing easier. For tight-curl wigs, use your fingers to gently remove knots and tangles.

2. Washing

A synthetic wig shouldn’t be exposed to heat, so you must use cold water to wash it. Fill a sink with tepid water. Mix a teaspoon of synthetic wig shampoo into the water. Submerge the wig and swish it with gentle motions (rough washing may create tangles and make the wig appear frizzy). Leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If you feel that the wig is not perfectly clean, repeat the process.

3. Rinsing

Refill the sink with clean, cool water and immerse the wig to rinse out the shampoo. Continue rinsing under gentle running tap water until the water leaving the wig runs clear. Make sure that water flows from the top down to minimize hair loss and prevent strands from tangling.

fashion Asian girl with synthetic wig

4. Conditioning

Apply conditioner to the wig, working from roots to ends while avoiding the cap. Leave the conditioner in the hair for 4–5 minutes. Rinse the wig gently under cold running water until all the conditioner is removed.

5. Towel Drying

Wrap your wig in a towel and gently pat it dry to remove excess water. Never twist or rub your wig to dry it.

6. Air Drying

Place your towel-dried wig on a wig stand. For best results, use a wire wig stand to allow the air to circulate and speed up the drying process. Allow it to dry naturally at room temperature but avoid placing the wig in direct sunlight. Never use a hairdryer, as heat can be very destructive to synthetic fibers.

7. Styling

When your wig is completely dry, gently shake it out and then style it using your fingers, a wig brush, and special wig styling products.

fashion asian girl with synthetic hair outdoors

Hot Oіl Trеаtmеnt: Benefits and How to Do It at Home

What is Hot Oіl Trеаtmеnt?

Hot oil treatment is a deep conditioning procedure that uses warm natural oils to seal moisture into the hair shaft. By heating the oils of your choice, you can increase their effectiveness, making it easier for them to penetrate the inner hair layers. This way your strands will absorb more ingredients and get more benefits than without heat. This intense oil treatment works great for nourishing your scalp and reviving your dry and damaged hair. In this post, we’ve covered everything you should know about hot oil treatments, including the ways how to prepare and apply the treatment to maximize the effects. 

Store-bought hot oil treatments may contain synthetic ingredients such as parabens and fragrances which can irritate your skin. By preparing the treatment yourself, you have more control over the ingredients and can customize them to suit your specific needs.

Signs that Your Hair Needs a Hot Oil Treatment

a girl with dry hair that needs a hot oil treatment

Signs that your thirsty hair needs an oil treatment include dryness, dullness, frizz, and excessive breakage. Dry hair can be caused by frequent heat styling and chemical treatments, or it can be just prone to dryness. Your scalp also may be dry and flaky. With the help of homemade hot oil treatments, you will see a huge improvement in your hair health. All you’ll need are a few natural ingredients you may already have in your pantry.

What Are the Bеnеfіtѕ of Hot Oіl Treatments?

Sоmе of the main bеnеfіtѕ that hоt оіl hаіr trеаtmеntѕ can provide to your scalp and hair include

  1. Help maintain proper hydration. Hot оіl treatments help seal mоіѕturе in уоur hair. This provides relief from drуnеѕѕ and improves hair elasticity. The treatment aligns hair cuticles and makes hair easier to detangle, which helps reduce brеаkаgе. The best oils to boost hydration are grapeseed oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and sweet almond oil.
  2. Keep your scalp moist and healthy. Heat styling, chemical treatments, and a dry climate can dry out your hair and scalp. Regular hot oil treatments keep the scalp hydrated durіng dry wіntеr mоnthѕ. Adding oils with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties helps keep your scalp in good condition. Using hоt оіl treatments may increase blood flow in the scalp and stimulates hair follicles. This contributes to an optimal environment for healthy hair growth. Hair oils that promote a healthy scalp include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, diluted tea tree oil, and diluted rosemary essential oil.
  3. Mіnіmіzе dаmаgе from heat styling and chemical treatments. Hоt oil treatments improve the appearance of damaged hair and prevent further damage that may lead to hair breakage. Hot oil treatments for damaged hair should contain oils with restorative properties, such as argan, macadamia, avocado, olive, castor, babassu, and coconut oils.
  4. Tame frіzzy hair and prеvеnt split endѕ. Hоt оіl treatments help smooth the cuticle to retain internal moisture inside the hair. A sealed cuticle also prevents moisture in the air from penetrating the hair shaft, which keeps the frizz away. Hot oil treatments seal the ends of your hair, reducing the appearance of split ends. To prevent frizzy hair and split ends, include argan, marula, grapeseed, and almond oils in your oil mixture.
  5. Increase blооd cіrсulаtіоn to the sсаlр. Hot oil treatments can hеlр ѕtіmulаtе blооd flоw tо your ѕсаlр. Mаѕѕаgіng thе оіl into уоur ѕсаlр nourishes the follicles and encourages healthy hair grоwth. The best invigorating hair oils are castor oil and tea tree, lavender, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils. Keep in mind that essential oils must be diluted in carrier oil before you apply them to your skin.
  6. Boosts elasticity and adds shіnе tо hаіr. Regular application of hot оіl trеаtmеntѕ help revitalize and strengthen your hair, making your locks lооk and feel hеаlthіеr. These penetrating treatments temporarily smooth down cuticles and add gorgeous shine to your hair. The best shine-boosting oils include argan, coconut, jojoba, and marula oil.
woman with nourished strong hair

The Downsides

  1. Applying heat can lift the cuticle and speed up the color-fading process if your hair is color-treated. Some women even use hot oil treatments as a slow and gentle way to remove their hair color. Getting a hot oil treatment several days before the coloring session is a good way to prepare your hair for color and prevent chemical damage. 
  2. If you have a sensitive scalp, dandruff, or other scalp condition, hot oil treatment may not be safe for you, because some oils may irritate your scalp or cause an allergic reaction. To stay on the safe side, talk with your dermatologist.
A woman with nourished hair after hot oil treatment

How to Do a Hot Oіl Treatment

1. Chose Oils Best Suited for Your Hair

There are a variety of oils you can combine to get a luscious hаіr and a healthy scalp. I suggest using your oils on unwashed but not excessively dirty hair. Freshly washed hair would absorb oils better than dirty hair. However, over-washing could reverse some benefits of the treatment. It is also more convenient if apply oils as a pre-shampoo treatment, so you don’t have to wash your hair twice.

You can do a hot oil treatment with one oil or use an oil blend, created according to your specific needs and preferences. The ratio of oils can vary but make sure you don’t use a large quantity, as washing oil out of the hair can be difficult.

2. Chose Heating Method

Heating oil in the microwave. Put the oils in a microwave-safe bowl, add a few drops of essential oils, and stir the mixture well. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds to warm it up to a comfortable temperature. Make sure the mixture isn’t hot when you start the application to avoid the risk of burning yourself.

Immersing oils in hot water. You can also pour oils into a jar and then immerse the jar in hot water. To avoid burning yourself, you can apply unheated oils to the hair and then apply heat. Alternatively, you can wrap a hot towel over a plastic cap to keep the oils warm.

Use a thermal heating cap. My preferred method is to apply the oil to my hair when cold and then put a thermal heating cap on for 15-20 minutes. I’ve found this method more convenient than when applying heated oils to my hair.

a beautiful brunette with oil in her hair

3. Apply and Massage the Oils

Wet your hair until it’s damp, not dripping wet, and apply the oil mixture evenly throughout the hair by using your fіngеrѕ. Start by massaging the treatment into your scalp, then work іt through the lengths of your hair from root to tip until all strands are completely coated. Make sure to saturate the dryest ends. Onсе thе treatment hаѕ bееn аррlіеd, put оn a ѕhоwеr cap, sit under a steamer or hooded dryer, аnd wait until the time is up. Alternatively, you can put the thermal cap onto the head for the desired time.

How Long to Leave Hot Oil Treatment in Your Hair

Leave the oil mixture to work its wау thrоugh for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing. To boost the benefits, leave the treatment on for a few hours. To get the most out of this treatment, leave the oil blend in the hair overnight.

How to Wash Out Hot Oil Treatment

Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to wash out the oils. Using harsh shampoo may reduce the benefits the treatment could bring. You might need two shampoo cycles to get all the oil out, especially if olive or castor oil is applied to the scalp. Condition as usual. Enjoy soft and shiny hair after blow-drying and styling.

Beautiful Woman With Wet Hair In Towel After Bath

How Often Should You Do a Hot Oil Treatment?

It’s best to do a hot oil hair treatment weekly, biweekly, or whenever your hair feels thirsty. If your hair is dry or damaged, you should apply the treatment at least once a week to prevent the drying effect of hair shampoo and replenish lost moisture.

If you’re not fond of DIY hot oil treatments, you can visit a salon to have the treatment done. There are also many prepackaged treatments available. Always search for natural hair oils and stay away from products that contain parabens and other synthetic ingredients.

If you have any scalp condition, ask your dermatologist if using a hot oil treatment is safe for you.

Beautiful young woman applying hot oils to her hair

Pre-Shampoo Treatments and Their Benefits

Pre-pooing, or pre-shampooing, is the process of applying a treatment of some kind to your hair before shampooing. Although this may seem like an unnecessary extra step, there are quite a few benefits to it.

Pre-shampooing is a kind of protective treatment that helps prepare your hair for washing to minimize the drying effect of hair shampoos. Pre-pooing forms a thin layer over your hair strands, which can prevent your hair from drying out after shampooing with a sulfate shampoo. Even if you’re not using a sulfate shampoo, you may want to pre-poo if your hair is damaged and feels brittle. Pre-wash treatments help flatten cuticles to lock in moisture, preserve healthy hair oils, and nourish your locks.

Pre-wash products are supposed to be used before each shampoo, or at least once a week, to keep your locks healthy and nourished. Most treatments are meant to be left on the hair for 5 to 30 minutes depending on the product and condition of your hair. You can even use these as overnight treatments to get the maximum benefits.

A woman with a pre-shampoo hair mask in the bathroom

Pre-shampoo treatments come in the form of hair oil, hair butter, hair masks, and conditioners. Just make sure to avoid products that are too thick, such as petroleum jelly which can form a thick layer that will be difficult to wash off of your hair.

Some of the pre-wash formulas are designed for particular hair types or to help with some scalp issues. When shopping for a pre-shampoo treatment, make sure to purchase the product that suits your specific needs.

What Are the Benefits of a Pre-Wash Hair Treatment?

Replenishes lost moisture: If your hair is overly dry and porous, it can’t retain its natural moisture and oils. Such hair may look dull, lifeless, and hard to manage. A pre-shampoo treatment soaks into dry hair and replenishes the moisture stripped away from bleaching, coloring, and heat styling. It gently smooths out rough cuticles to lock in moisture, leaving your hair silky soft, and bouncy

Nourished curls: People with naturally curly hair can benefit from adding this extra step to their regular hair care routine. Pre-shampoo treatments keep natural hair moisturized, tame frizz, and keep curls feeling smooth and nourished.

Prolongs the life of your color: If your hair has been abused by frequent coloring, bleaching, or other chemical treatments, it may become weak, dry, and prone to color fading. A pre-shampoo treatment protects and nourishes your hair before and after chemical treatments and seals the cuticle to help your color last longer. It maintains color vibrancy and longevity by preventing color fading due to washing, sun exposure, and heat styling

Reduces hair breakage: This treatment is exceptionally effective if you need to stop hair breakage. Tangled hair is one of the most common causes of excessive hair breakage.  Pre-shampooing flattens the cuticle and lubricates the hair shaft, making the strands smoother. This helps soften the hair before washing and keeps tangles at bay.

Protect swimmer’s hair: Before you go swimming in a pool or the ocean, you need to protect your hair from chlorine and salt water. As a protective measure, saturate your hair with the pre-shampoo treatment before swimming. By soaking your hair with a pre-shampoo product, you will minimize the damaging effects of chlorine and sea salt on your locks.

How to Pre-Poo

a young woman with wet nourished hair

Apply the pre-PO mixture to wet hair before washing.

  1. Massage 1–2 teaspoons of the treatment into wet hair and scalp.
  2. Use your fingers to distribute the mixture through the lengths of your hair to ensure maximum coverage. Concentrate on the thirsty ends. Then use a comb to evenly distribute the treatment.
  3. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave the treatment on for about 30 minutes or longer if your hair is ultra-dry and porous. You can apply heat to ensure better absorption.
  4. Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and condition as normal.

 You can pre-poo 1 to 3 times a week or as often as needed.

Coconut Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment

To get the most out of this pre-shampoo treatment, use virgin coconut oil.

Divide your hair into equal sections. For fine and thinner hair, four sections are enough. For thicker, longer, or dense hair, eight sections are better.

After dividing your hair, apply the pre-shampoo treatment. You want your hair to be completely saturated to take advantage of all the benefits of the treatment and the coconut oil. Completely coat the hair, starting at the roots, and making your way down to the ends. Once the hair is coated, comb through it with a wide tooth comb or your fingers to ensure that there are no tangles. Now, you wait.

When using pre-shampoo treatments, the longer you can leave it on, the better. You should leave the treatment in for at least thirty minutes, but to further take advantage of the benefits, you may want to leave it on for a few hours or even overnight.

When you are ready, thoroughly rinse out the pre-shampoo treatment and wash and condition your hair as normal. Your hair will feel moisturized and healthy.

DIY Pre-Poo with Castor Oil

Castor oil is used to treat hair fall and even stimulate hair growth. And castor oil is not only the magic ingredient of this recipe, but it’s also quite affordable!

What you need:

  • 1 tbsp Castor oil
  • 2-3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • 10 drops of geranium essential oil
  • Shower cap

Directions:

  1. Mix everything and apply it to your scalp and hair.
  2. Cover with a shower cap.
  3. Wash off after 30 min.

Ready-Made Pre-Wash Treatments

While you can easily make your DIY pre-wash treatment, for those who prefer some ready-made products some great pre-poo products include Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Pre-Shampoo Treatment, Huile de Leonor Greyl Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment, and Timeless Pre-Shampoo Treatment by Living Proof.

A beautiful girl blow-drying freshly shampooed hair

2 in 1 Hair Straightener and Curler: Your Morning Time Saver

Women are always looking for ways to simplify their morning routine while keeping their locks looking fabulous. A 2-in-1 hair straightener and curler is a hair styling tool that promises to deliver it. This innovative product can help you to create breathtaking waves with less effort and in less time than when using conventional styling tools.

A 2-in-1 hair straightener and curler is a versatile styler that offers more hair-styling variations. The rounded circle design allows you to smooth and curl your hair in one single go. If you have frizzy hair that doesn’t always cooperate with you, you might want to give this appliance a try.

Advantages Over Conventional Flat Irons and Curling Wands

hair stylist uses hair straightener and curler to style client's hair
  1. Faster styling: A 2-in-1 straightener and curler will give you smooth hair with loose beach waves easily. You can smooth out coarse hair and create waves without switching between different tools, significantly reducing overall styling time.
  2. Budget-friendly: Curling iron and straightener combo is easier on your budget since you don’t have to buy separate curling and hair straightening tools. You only need one device for both styling choices.
  3. Travel-friendly: These tools are the perfect travel companion. They’ll help you save some space in your travel bag since you won’t need to carry two separate appliances with you. So, you can have beautiful, bouncy curls while traveling!
  4. Space savers: There are days when you like to straighten your hair and other days you love to wear it wavy. A 2-in-1 hair straightener can be versatile and is a great choice if your bathroom is short on space. Having fewer tools helps save some room in your small bathroom.

How to Use 2-in-1 Hair Straightener and Curler?

Hair stylist uses hair straightener and curler to style client's hair

When combining two styling tools into one unit, it’s important to know how this new design affects its use. With 2-in-1 hair straighteners and curlers, a rounded outside plate makes it easy to wrap the hair around and through the straightener to create a wave. Overall, the straightening process is similar to using a traditional flat iron.

Curling, however, is a little different, but the process is still simple. Be sure to purchase the unit with the one-inch plate or narrower because it works best for curling hair. Next, divide your hair into several sections. If you have a lot of hair, you may need to do three or four sections; otherwise, two should be enough. Take a small section of hair. Clamp the flat iron around the hair and start gliding down the section like when using a straight iron. Give it a turn where you want the curl to begin and continue to slide down.

It does take some practice and learning to get the curls of your dreams, especially if you have never curled your hair with a straightener. But after watching a few tutorial videos and making a few attempts, you will master the technique.

As with other hot tools, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this appliance. First, you must know your hair type. Hair has a variety of textures and thicknesses. Fine hair requires very little heat to get the job done, while thicker, more coarse hair will require some extra heat. Many of these hair straighteners and curlers have a large heat range to accommodate all hair types. The proper heat setting can make a big difference in the health of your hair. As a good rule of thumb, you should keep your iron between 250 and 340 degrees with fine hair and between 350 and 400 degrees with thick hair. Also, make sure to use a heat protectant regardless of your hair type.

Brands to Consider

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1. Homitt 2 in 1 Hair Straightener and Curler (Walmart)

This hair straightener & curler releases negative ions to lock in moisture and tame frizzy hair. It makes split ends less noticeable and leaves hair shiny and silky. It has five temperature levels, ranging between 250 and 400 degrees to meet the needs of all hair types and textures.

Pros

  1. You can easily adjust the temperature by rotating the device. Once you select the desired temperature, it clicks and stays firmly in place. A large LCD allows you to monitor the current temperature.
  2. Ceramic-coated floating plates provide even heating and prevent damage to your locks. The iron glides smoothly without catching or knotting your hair.
  3. The curls last longer than with most curling wands.
  4. The set comes with a heat-resistant glove to protect your hand from getting burned.
  5. The compact design makes this device easy to put in your travel bag. It has a dual voltage, so it can be used abroad if you purchase a standard plug converter.
  6. This device stands in an upright position on flat surfaces, which prevents damage to counters and tables.

Cons

The heat radiates throughout the handles, so it is hard to hold. You must wear protective gloves and be careful to avoid burns.

2. CNV Twist Straightening Iron 2 in-1 Hair Straightener

CNV Hair Straightener and curler can give you straight, sleek, and frizz-free locks while reducing overall styling time. The unique convex and concave design of heating surfaces helps to create beautiful natural curls. 3D floating plates hold your hair tightly, providing more control over styling. The device has four adjustable temperature settings, ranging from 300 to 450 degrees to suit all hair types.

Pros

  1. Ceramic titanium plates glide smoothly through your hair to create a shiny, silky finish and protect your strands from thermal damage.
  2. This ergonomic hair straightener is easy to use without tiring out your arms.
  3. You can easily create fashionable hairstyles with this 2-in-1 hair straightener.
  4. The compact design and its dual voltage capability make this tool travel-friendly.
  5. The unit comes with a flat iron bag and a heat-resistant glove. The package also includes two plastic clips to help you separate your hair when styling.

Cons

You will need some time to get used to it.

3. Professional Hair Straightener 2 in 1 by FURIDEN

This one-step straightener and styler is claimed to give you ultra-smooth silky hair much faster than conventional hair straighteners or wands. The device has one-inch-wide floating plates with curved edges. To adjust the temperature, rotate it clockwise and choose between five different temperature settings, ranging between 250 and 400 degrees. The temperature dial clicks into the chosen place and stays there until you decide to change the heat settings.

Pros

  1. This flat iron curler has an elegant, sleek design.
  2. When used properly it gives you loose long-lasting curls.
  3. It heats up in 15 seconds.
  4. You just need a socket adapter to use it worldwide.
  5. A safety lock allows you to lock it closed for easy and safe storage.
  6. The package also includes a heat-resistant glove, velvety sleeve bag, comb, and two hair clips.

Cons

It might take several tries to get a great curl, so you may have to contact the seller and watch tutorial videos to avoid giving up.

4. BAIYEA 2-in-1 Hair Straightener

This is another styling tool that combines straightening and curling functions in one unit. Its ceramic tourmaline-coated plates produce negative ions to reduce frizz and keep hair shiny. The unit is equipped with a PTC heater that enables it to heat up in less than 30 seconds. Temperature settings range from 212 to 392 degrees to accommodate all hair types.

Pros

  1. The smooth ceramic plates glide through hair without snagging.
  2. The plates have anti-scald rubber tips to prevent burns.
  3. The LCD makes it easy to monitor the temperature.
  4. Worldwide dual voltage makes it travel-friendly (when used with a compatible adapter).
  5. It comes with a traveling bag, heat glove, and two hairdressing clips for sectioning your hair.

Cons

This device is not equipped with an automatic shut-off timer.

a girl curling her hair with a hair straightener

Aloe Vera Shampoo Benefits and Product Suggestions

Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to tropical areas of the world. People have been using it for health and beauty purposes for more than 1000 years. Aloe vera contains 75 nourishing compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, enzymes, sugars, and plant steroids. The high content of beneficial nutrients makes Aloe one of the most versatile medical plants on the planet.

While fresh Aloe vera juice can be applied directly to the skin, Aloe vera can also benefit your skin and hair as an ingredient in cosmetic products.

In addition to other benefits, this awesome plant is proven to promote a healthy scalp and make your hair look flawless.

Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair

smilling woman with beautiful hair and aloe leaf

Natural moisturizer: If your scalp and hair need moisture, Aloe vera could be a miracle worker. It can attract moisture and increase the water content in the skin. A study has shown that cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract can almost instantly reduce excessive skin dryness. Regular application of Aloe-rich products can keep your scalp moist and make dry hair noticeably shinier, healthier, and easier to manage.

Calms itchy scalps: Aloe vera extract is used to improve scalp hydration and relieve symptoms of various scalp conditions. The Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties of Aloe help to soothe sensitive scalps prone to irritation. Hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe can be beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis.

Anti-dandruff properties: The antiseptic agents found in Aloe help prevent the growth of scalp fungus that can cause dandruff. Additionally, the saponins in this plant are capable of cleansing the scalp and fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi, alleviating the symptoms of dandruff. Finally, the enzymes found in the plant help eliminate accumulated dead skin cells, minimizing the appearance of white, flaky scales associated with dandruff.

May support healthy hair growth: By keeping the scalp healthy, Aloe vera can prevent and minimize temporary forms of hair loss caused by problematic scalp conditions. The proteolytic enzymes found in Aloe remove dead skin cells from the scalp, break down sebum buildup, and rejuvenate the hair follicles, allowing hair to grow. In addition, Aloe vera can stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles, which helps strengthen hair roots.

Conditioning properties: When included in hair product formulas aloe vera works as a great conditioning agent. It helps lock in moisture, tames frizzy hair, and restores softness and shine. Aloe vera gel can replace the traditional conditioner in your hair care routine. The nourishing power of Aloe revitalizes hair from within, giving it a silky feel and glossy shine.

Helps balance the pH levels: Because it has a pH level similar to the natural pH level of your hair, Aloe vera can help restore the pH balance of your hair. Hair products formulated with Aloe moisturize the scalp, bringing the pH value of your scalp to a healthy level.

Related Article

Beautiful young woman washing hair with aloe vera shampoo

Aloe Vera Shampoo Brands 

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Chemically-based shampoos can be more damaging than helpful to your hair. Aloe vera shampoo can be an ideal choice for people who suffer from dry hair and scalp problems.

Your shampoo should be free of harsh cleansers, like sodium laureth sulfate, to be able to gently cleanse your scalp and hair without stripping natural oils.

Below is a list of mild shampoos formulated with naturally derived cleansers and Aloe vera leaf juice:

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1. Jason Aloe Vera Shampoo

The formula uses natural Aloe vera, Spirulina Maxima, and Vitamin E to gently cleanse your hair and replenish moisture to dry and brittle strands. Improved moisture balance helps to eliminate static, boost elasticity, and reduce breakage. It also makes your hair softer and easier to detangle.

This shampoo is composed of 84% certified-organic ingredients and formulated without harsh sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. It is gentle on sensitive scalps and safe for color-treated hair. However, this shampoo is not safe for keratin-treated hair because it is not salt-free.

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2. Mill Creek Botanicals Aloe Vera Shampoo

Containing pure extract from the Aloe vera leaf, this shampoo is known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. It moisturizes your hair and keeps scalps nourished and healthy.

A blend of plant keratin, Vitamin E, Panthenol, and argan oil helps to restore natural moisture, soften your locks, and enhance hair’s natural shine.

This mild formula is pH balanced and can be used daily without drying out the hair. It is safe for color-treated hair.

The possible downside is that like most moisturizing shampoos it can weigh down fine hair.

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3. Intensive Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner by Hair Dance

Enriched with Aloe juice and green tea, this shampoo gently cleanses, moisturizes, and nourishes your scalp and hair. Natural ingredients keep hair hydrated without weighing it down. Avocado and argan oils protect hair from damage and add shine and softness. It also helps reduce frizz and makes split ends less noticeable.

This duo is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful ingredients. The pleasant citrus scent comes from grapefruit essential oil.

The combination of this hydrating shampoo and conditioner is especially suitable for dry, curly, wavy, and frizzy hair. This duo is safe for color-treated hair.

Beautiful young woman combing her hair

Hair Smoothing Treatments You Can Do at Home

The Main Differences between Hair Smoothing and Straightening

Unlike traditional keratin straightening treatments, most hair smoothing treatments are free of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. These frizz-fighting treatments use amino acids, collagen, hair oils, botanical extracts, and heat to repair and smooth out your hair.

After some research found that Brazilian Blowout smoothing products contain very high levels of formaldehyde, many people started looking for a safer alternative to get shiny and frizz-free hair. A variety of chemical-free smoothing products have appeared on the market over the past few years.

Although the application process is similar to keratin straightening, a smoothing treatment will not give you pin-straight hair. However, this hair treatment will eliminate frizz and make your hair straighter, shinier, and easier to style. The results will last approximately two to three months.

In-salon smoothing treatments can be an expensive option for people who struggle with frizzy hair. While some smoothing treatments are meant for professional use, there are still many mild and affordable products that you can use in the comfort of your home.

Cute girl touching her smooth healthy hair

At-Home Hair Smoothing Treatments

The following smoothing treatments are user-friendly, effective, and cost a fraction of the money you would spend in a salon.  

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1. Fashion Stylist Cream by GUP

The Fashion Stylist Cream is formulated with a blend of 22 essential amino acids, coconut oil, quinoa protein, and conditioning agents that can straighten hair and reverse hair aging. Oils rich in omega-3, -6, and -9 help restore the protective lipid layer lost due to coloring and heat styling. The product is ready to apply straight from the bottle, and the application process is easy, fast, and doesn’t produce irritating fumes.

Benefits: 

  • Seals the cuticle for a long-lasting shine
  • Neutralizes the yellow/orange tones in blonde hair 
  • Combats dryness, breakage, and porosity 
  • Fills gaps in porous and damaged strands, restoring elasticity and reducing breakage 
  • Protect hair from future damage with powerful antioxidants
  • Makes hair stronger, healthier, and more manageable 

Procedure: 

  1. Shampoo your hair, rinse, and towel dry. Blow-dry hair until it is about 70 percent dry. 
  2. Section your hair and apply Fashion Stylist Cream, starting from the back of your head.
  3. Put on the plastic cap and leave the product in your hair for 60 minutes. For fine or bleached hair, it is recommended to leave the product on the hair for about 25 minutes. 
  4. Rinse out the product with plenty of water.
  5. Blow-dry your hair while using a round brush. 
  6. Flat-iron small sections of hair, doing at least 10 passes over each section. 
a smiling girl with smooth bouncy hair

2. Lisse Design Keratin Therapy Smoothing Treatment by AlfaParf 

Lisse Design Smoothing Treatment promises straight, velvety, and easy-to-style hair for up to three months, without using potentially hazardous chemicals. The smoothing formula is free of formaldehyde and complies with EU cosmetics regulations.  

Lisse Design Keratin Therapy combines keratin, collagen, and essential oils to strengthen hair, calm frizz, and add a wonderful shine. With heat, this treatment rearranges disulfide bonds and temporarily makes your hair straighter. Plus, your hair will still hold a curl if you want it to. 

This treatment works best on curly, frizzy, or chemically treated hair, repairing damage from the inside to make hair smooth, frizz-free, and easy to style. 

Benefits: 

  • Removes 95% of frizz 
  • Penetrates the hair to revitalize it from inside 
  • Transforms dry, tangled hair into silky, shiny, and manageable locks  
  • Reduces blow-drying and styling time by 60% 

Procedure:

This treatment process involves the following steps: 

  1. Shampoo hair with Lisse Design Deep Cleansing Shampoo to remove any product build-up and open cuticles. This makes the hair ready to absorb the treatment.
  2. Blow-dry hair and divide it into four parts.
  3. Apply the Smoothing Fluid to 1-inch sections of hair with an applicator brush, avoiding the scalp. Comb the hair from roots to ends to evenly distribute the product. Let the product sit in your hair for 20 minutes.
  4. If your hair is very damaged, apply the Lisse Design Detangling Cream to the ends to make brushing easier.
  5. Blow-dry and brush your hair with a paddle brush, without rinsing the product off. For curly and frizzy hair, use a round brush to help achieve a straight effect. 
  6. Use a straightening iron 6-8 times over half-inch sections of hair to activate the product and seal it into the hair. For damaged hair, keep the iron temperature below 356°
  7. Rinse hair thoroughly to remove all traces of smoothing the product. 
  8. Apply the Lisse Design Rehydrating Mask to towel-dried hair and leave it on for 5 minutes to hydrate hair and make it soft, shiny, and easy to comb.
  9. Rinse the musk from the hair, and then blow-dry and style it.

Silver Smoothing Fluid is an alternative smoothing product designed for cool blonde and natural white hair to prevent yellow tones that may be caused by the use of high-temperature flat irons.

For those who may not have the time to perform a standard Lisse Design Smoothing Treatment, the Lisse Design Express Smoothing Treatment is also available for a shortened application procedure.

3. Hair Straightener Spray by Braliz  

Braliz produces an innovative hair straightening product in a spray bottle that helps repair and seal hair cuticles, making hair straighter, silkier, and shinier.  This smoothening treatment features an easy, user-friendly application process. 

Braliz’s smoothing formula contains bioactive ingredients extracted from antioxidant-rich botanicals. It is free of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. 

Procedure:

  1. Shampoo and blow-dry your hair. Don’t use conditioner! 
  2. Divide your hair into 3-5 parts for easier manipulation.
  3. Put on gloves and apply the spray to small sections of hair, starting from the back of your head. Use a comb to distribute the product evenly.
  4. Leave the product in your hair for 40 minutes. For thick hair, leave the treatment on for 60 minutes. 
  5. Rinse the product with water.
  6. Blow-dry your hair until it is completely dry.
  7. Use a flat iron over small sections of hair to activate the product and achieve a straight effect. Do 8-10 passes over each section.

It is important to customize heat settings according to the type and condition of your hair. For medium to thick hair, set the flatiron temperature between 392°F and 446°F. For fine to medium hair and/or chemically treated hair, set the temperature between 356°F and 392°F.

More brands to consider: Vip Argan Oil Keratin Treatment, Agi Control K1 Perola Blowout Anti Frizz Natural Treatment by Agilise Professional, Progressive Brush Straightening System by Street Hair, and Gold Keratin Protein Deep Maintenance Treatment by KERATIN USA HAIR STRAIGHTENING PRODUCTS.

Beautiful blond girl with a perfectly smooth hair

Gentle Amino Acid Hair Smoothing Treatments

How Amino Acids Make Hair Stronger?

Amino acids are small molecules that connect to form larger protein molecules. Amino acids are found naturally in your hair as building blocks of keratin which is a hard, fibrous, and extremely strong protein responsible for healthy hair. Hair proteins are made of 21 amino acids including cysteine, proline, arginine, serine, half-cystine, threonine, cysteic acid, lysine, alanine, glycine, valine,  glutamic acid, leucine, and aspartic acid.

Aging, environmental damage, genetics, chemical processing, and a lack of important nutrients can deplete vital proteins in the hair. The lost amino acids can be reintroduced to the hair by incorporating them into hair products. When these products are applied to the hair, amino acid molecules help promote moisture retention and make hair stronger and healthier.

A woman with amino acid hair smoothing treatment with her head on the table

Is Amino Acid Smoothing Treatment Safe for your Hair?

Amino acid-based smoothing treatments are generally much safer than formaldehyde-based keratin treatments. Most amino acid smoothing treatments are free of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde and formaldehyde derivatives. These treatments utilize amino acids to give you smooth, frizz-free, and shiny hair.

Amino acid hair smoothing treatments can be used on all types of hair, but they will provide the best results when used on dry, frizzy, or damaged locks. These smoothing treatments can be safely used on hair that has undergone a chemical treatment, such as coloring, perm, keratin treatment, or permanent hair straightening. Amino acid treatments don’t break the hair bonds that determine the shape of your strands, so you shouldn’t expect pin-straight hair. Amino acid treatments make hair smoother and straighter, but you can still get curls after the treatment.

Amino Acid-Based Smoothing Treatments

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1. Agave Smoothing Treatment 

This in-salon smoothing treatment promises to instantly eliminate frizz, tame unruly strands, and reduce curl retention by 80%. It will make slightly wavy hair completely straight, while tight curls will be about 50% looser.

The smoothing formula uses carbo-c, an amino acid complex derived from agave leaf extract. This active ingredient gently alters the disulfide bonds, making the hair sleeker and smoother for up to three months.

The best candidates for receiving this treatment are individuals who want to tame frizz and cut their styling time without sacrificing their curls.

The procedure takes about two hours depending on the hair length, type, and texture.

Agave Smoothing Treatment can be performed two weeks after receiving a chemical treatment such as permanent waving, relaxing, or keratin treatment.

The color application can be done on the same day after performing the Agave Smoothing Treatment. Most stylists suggest getting Agave Smoothing Treatment immediately after coloring or highlighting service because the treatment locks in the color and nourishes your hair after coloring.

Benefits of Agave Smoothing Treatment

No harmful chemicals: This defrizzing and smoothing treatment is an exceptional alternative to formaldehyde-based keratin straightening treatments. The formula doesn’t use formaldehyde or aldehyde, so there are no toxic fumes to breathe. This treatment is safe for you, your stylist, and all salon visitors.

No waiting time: You don’t have to wait two or three days before washing your hair. After getting the treatment, you will only need to allow twenty minutes for the smoothing process to complete. Then you can wash your hair any time after waiting for twenty minutes.

Improved manageability: Your hair will be much easier to manage after receiving the Agave Smoothing Treatment. You will need less time than usual to blow-dry the hair and it also takes less effort to achieve your desired style.

Better frizz control: This treatment will make your hair much more resistant to weather and increasing humidity in the atmosphere. If you get caught in unexpected rain, you won’t end up with a wild head of frizz.

Better color retention: When used over existing color, the Agave Smoothing Treatment will enhance the color, while also slowing down the color fading process.

Styling versatility: Unlike some chemical-based hair straightening treatments, you will still be able to create beautiful curls after the service.

Aftercare

The effects of agave smoothing treatment should last up to 3 months depending on your hair type and how you follow aftercare instructions. Your stylist may suggest you purchase Agave Shampoo and Conditioner. To avoid stripping the treatment from your hair, you must avoid shampoos, conditioners, or styling products that contain sodium chloride and harsh sulfates.

2. Pravana Perfection SmoothOut

(Available at Walmart)

Creators of Pravana Perfection SmoothOut promise that the treatment will instantly and safely transform coarse, frizzy strands into frizz-free, smooth, and manageable hair, with results lasting 8-12 weeks.

The treatment utilizes a proprietary nano-amino acid complex to smooth out the “S” shape curl pattern without using harmful chemicals. The nano-amino acid complex penetrates hair fibers and slightly stretches the hair’s natural bonds. Amino acid molecules also fill the gaps in the cuticle layer, transforming frizzy hair into smooth and glossy locks.

Pravana Perfection SmoothOut eliminates frizz, enhances shine, and makes your hair faster to dry and style. It reduces the unwanted volume and temporarily makes tight curls looser.

The treatment claims to be safe and effective for all types of hair including coarse, frizzy, and chemically treated hair.

Your hair can be colored on the same day as the Pravana Perfection SmoothOut service. It is advisable to apply color after the service because this smoothing treatment may cause hair color to fade to some degree.

You can shampoo and style your hair on the same day.

If you plan to do this treatment at home, be sure to follow the directions. You also may need an extra pair of hands since the procedure takes up to three hours.

3. Chi Enviro American Smoothing Treatment

This smoothing system is formulated with protein and an amino acid complex. The formula temporarily realigns bonds in hair fibers and improves hair condition, making it smoother, stronger, and easier to manage. The results last up to 4 months.

Depending on your starting hair texture, there are two options of the smoothing solution available:

1. CHI Enviro Smooth Treatment for Virgin and Resistant Hair

2. CHI Enviro Smooth Treatment for Highlighted Porous and Fine Hair

The procedure takes about two hours, depending on the length and density of your hair.

One potential drawback is that you should wait 48 hours before washing the hair. Also, wear your hair down and avoid pins, clips, elastics hair bands, and glasses for at least one week after treatment.

4. Texture Release System by Avlon

The Texture Release System is advertised to provide easier combing and more styling versatility for individuals with excessively curly hair. This treatment is a gentle alternative to using a relaxer.

The smoothing formula uses a blend of amino acids and conditioning agents which is thermally activated during blow drying and flat ironing stages.

The treatment makes hair smooth, resistant to humidity, and easy to comb and style. Your hair will feel healthier, softer, and stronger. You can wear either straight or natural styles.

The results last for up to 2 months.

This straightening system uses the thermal protecting mist before heat is applied to your hair. The smoothing formula is also complemented with styling products that help keep hair frizz-free and shiny.

The Texture Release Kit System includes:

  1. Texture Release Nourishing Cleansing Shampoo
  2. Texture Release Thermal Protecting Mist
  3. Texture Release Releasing Lotion
  4. Texture Release Curl Shape & Shine Cream

It is advisable to wait three to five days after the service before using hair coloring products.

5. The BASIC One-Step Smoothing System

The One-Step Smoothing System offers more manageability and styling versatility for people with curly hair. It repairs, strengthens, and smooths the hair using amino acids in conjunction with heat.

The One-Step Smoothing System does not break bonds in the hair. Instead, it temporarily elongates your natural curls. This treatment repairs and seals damaged cuticles to eliminate frizz and create silky smooth hair. The system enables you to easily create straight styles while allowing you to wear your hair curly when you want.

The application procedure is simpler compared to other smoothing or straightening treatments. If your goal is not straight hair, the treatment can be performed without the flat ironing stage. Due to the very acidic pH value (1,5) of the One-Step Smoothing Foam, the manufacturer recommends wearing gloves during product application.

The procedure can be customized to give you the desired results. To make hair straighter, your stylist will use higher heat and do more passes with a flat iron. Using less heat helps retain the natural curl pattern.

The effects last for up to 12 shampoos.

The One-Step Smoothing System can be used on any type of hair, including previously chemically treated hair. It is perfect for people who go from relaxed to natural hair.

Young beautiful woman with long smooth hair

6. Design Essentials Strengthening Therapy System

This is one of the safest and most effective amino-acid-infused straightening treatments. This treatment strengthens, straightens, and tames unmanageable, curly, multi-textured, transitioning, and frizzy hair. The hair stays smooth, shiny, and manageable for up to 3 months.

Depending on the hair type and desired results, one of three types of smoothing products can be used:

  1. Strengthening Therapy Elongation Mousse (maximizes the natural curl length)
  2. Strengthening Therapy Transitioning Mousse (provides maximum smoothness)
  3. Strengthening Therapy Silkening Spray (reduces breakage and shedding)

8. Thermafuse f450 Amino Fusion Smoothing Treatment

Amino Fusion Smoothing Treatment by Thermafuse uses a proprietary blend of amino acids to reduce unwanted volume up to 100% and to tame curls up to 80%.

This smoothing formula claims to provide excellent manageability, shine, and frizz control for all types of hair. It is designed for people who struggle with unwanted volume, and frizzy, or unmanageable curly hair. The smoothing effects last up to 12 weeks.

You can shampoo your hair, exercise, or go swimming immediately after the treatment.

More brands to consider: 4D SMOOTH by MAT Cosmetics, Plus Keratin 3 Smoothing Treatment by JAS, Protein & Omega-3 Smoothing Treatment by Blondis New York, and Gold Keratin Protein Deep Maintenance Treatment by KERATIN USA.

A woman with amino acid hair smoothing treatment in elegant dress

Keratin and Collagen Hair Treatment: What Results Should You Expect?

Collagen and keratin are types of fibrous proteins that play a vital role in the structure of our hair.

Collagen: Collagen is the main structural protein in the body that helps hold the body’s tissues together. This protein is responsible for maintaining healthy hair and skin. However, the body’s collagen production decreases as we age. In addition to other signs of aging, the drop in collagen production results in brittle, dry, and lifeless hair.

When added to hair care products, collagen makes your strands more elastic and less prone to breakage. Collagen also calms frizz and makes your hair shinier and more manageable.

Smiling happy girl with straight hair outdoor

Keratin: Keratin is the primary component of hair fibers and is responsible for a healthy hair structure. Keratin-infused hair care products can replenish lost keratin and temporarily strengthen hair. Keratin is also used as an ingredient in hair straightening and smoothing treatments. Keratin treatments temporarily straighten hair, tame frizziness, and add a gorgeous shine.

The new concept in hair care uses a holistic synergy of keratin and collagen proteins. Collagen-infused keratin treatments are available at salons, while some milder formulas can be applied at home.

The main purpose of a keratin treatment with collagen is not to straighten hair, but to bring your hair back to its naturally healthy condition, making it feel soft and frizz-free.

If your main goal is to have straighter hair, a well-trained professional stylist will provide you with the desired results. To make your hair look sleek and straight, your stylist may flat iron smaller sections of hair, do more passes per section and apply more pressure. To tame frizz without straightening hair, your stylist will take larger sections of hair and apply less pressure.

Advantages of Collagen-Infused Keratin Hair Treatments

A keratin treatment with collagen can be done on any type of hair, but they work best on dry, damaged, and overly-porous hair.

  1. The treatment uses a blend of keratin and collagen to deeply repair damaged hair, recover the strength and elasticity of hair fibers, and reduce breakage and split ends.
  2. Keratin treatments with collagen replenish hair strands with protein and moisture, making your hair appear more youthful and healthier.
  3. Collagen-infused keratin treatments repair and strengthen hair cuticles, living your hair sleeker, shinier, and easier to manage and style.
  4. The infusion of collagen and keratin smoothens out the ruffled cuticle layer to lock in moisture, which helps to diminish frizz and make your style more resistant to humidity.
smiling young woman with straight hair outdoor

How to Apply Collagen Keratin Hair Treatment

For straightening purposes, choose to get the treatment done at a salon. The procedure may take 2 to 3 hours depending on the length and thickness of your hair.

If you’re considering doing the treatment by yourself, it’s best to have an extra pair of hands to help you with the application. Choose a formaldehyde-free formula, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Steps:

  1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove all impurities and product build-up, and prepare your hair to receive the treatment.
  2. Towel dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry.
  3. Separate your hair into sections for easier application, leaving the bottom section hanging down.
  4. Starting at the nape of your neck, take 1” sections of hair to work at a time.  Using a color brush, apply small amounts of the product onto the 1” sections from roots to ends, avoiding the scalp. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product along the length of your hair.
  5. Leave the treatment in your hair for the recommended time, while running a comb through it several times for more even distribution.
  6. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
  7. Blow-dry your hair using medium heat until it is completely dry.
  8. Seal the product by using a flat iron with titanium plates. Set the temperature according to the thickness and condition of your hair.
  9. For fine, chemically-treated, or extremely damaged hair, set your flat iron temperature at 400°F – 420°F to avoid heat-damaged hair. For fragile hair, also use a smaller number of passes (5 – 7) with the hair straightener.

For virgin, thick, coarse, or extremely curly hair, set the temperature at 430°F – 450°F and pass 8 – 10 times over each section of hair.

Smiling happy woman with straight hair outdoor

Aftercare Routine

Don’t wash your hair for 48-72 hours after application. The longer you wait, the smoother your results will be.

To maintain results, use sulfate-free and salt-free shampoo and conditioner.

How Long Does the Treatment Last?

This treatment lasts 2 to 4 months depending on shampoo type and frequency. The results fade gradually with each shampoo.

You can re-apply the treatment every 2-4 months.

Products Enriched with Collagen and Keratin

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The list of the most popular products includes Hair Smoothing Treatment Zero Formaldehyde-free by KERAGEN, Hair Repair Organic Collagen-infused Keratin treatment formaldehyde-free by KOKO KERATIN, Keratin + Collagen Hair Smoothing Treatment by Irresistible Me, AlfaParf Lisse Design Express Smoothing Treatment Kit and LA Brasiliana Original Keratin Treatment With Collagen.

Smiling beautiful girl with straight hair sitting on the desk